Better to Take the Train to MP from Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
Dec 30th, 2013, 05:20 PM
#1
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Better to Take the Train to MP from Cusco or Ollantaytambo?
Would most people advise taking the train to MP from Cusco, or take a cab to Ollantaytambo and catch the train there?
We're looking for the most efficient, time-saving way to get to MP since our time in the area will be limited.
We're looking for the most efficient, time-saving way to get to MP since our time in the area will be limited.
Dec 30th, 2013, 09:42 PM
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Most people who take the train from Ollantaytambo rather than Cusco do so because they are staying there. There are many good reasons for heading to Ollantaytambo at the star of your trip:
1. It is easier to acclimatise there as it is at a lower altitude than Cusco
2. It is a great base for exploring other parts of the sacred Valley - Moray, Maras, Chinchero etc, and,
3. It is a really nice town in its own right and worth a day just exploring the town and ruins
I doubt that getting a taxi to Ollantaytambo just to get the train will save you much, if any time. I would be inclined to get the cab from the airport to Ollantaytambo on arrival, stay overnight and get the first train the next day ( although, much better to stay two nights and on the first days, explore the ruins as early as possible and get out into the SV in the afternoon) . Don't miss out on Cusco though, leave it until after MP and spend a couple of days there if you can as there is so much to see.
1. It is easier to acclimatise there as it is at a lower altitude than Cusco
2. It is a great base for exploring other parts of the sacred Valley - Moray, Maras, Chinchero etc, and,
3. It is a really nice town in its own right and worth a day just exploring the town and ruins
I doubt that getting a taxi to Ollantaytambo just to get the train will save you much, if any time. I would be inclined to get the cab from the airport to Ollantaytambo on arrival, stay overnight and get the first train the next day ( although, much better to stay two nights and on the first days, explore the ruins as early as possible and get out into the SV in the afternoon) . Don't miss out on Cusco though, leave it until after MP and spend a couple of days there if you can as there is so much to see.
Dec 31st, 2013, 11:56 AM
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Thank you for your reply. I should have mentioned that we will be staying in Cusco and not Ollantaytambo.
I did note there are many more trains departing from Olly than from Cusco.
How long is the cab ride from Cusco to Olly, and how long is the train ride from Cusco to MP and from Olly to MP?
I did note there are many more trains departing from Olly than from Cusco.
How long is the cab ride from Cusco to Olly, and how long is the train ride from Cusco to MP and from Olly to MP?
Jan 1st, 2014, 02:48 AM
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The ride from cusco to Ollantaytambo is around two hours. Cruz del Sur also run a service now of you are on a budget and collectivos leave regularly from the city centre and take a similar amount of time.
Jan 1st, 2014, 11:42 AM
#5
If you take a private taxi you might shave it down to 1.5 hrs. PeruRail.com has all arrival and departure times. Note that Cusco trains now leave from Poroy which also requires a taxi from your hotel .
Although some may do Ollantaytambo to save time I don't think that is the main advantage.
If you take an early train from Ollantay, you can get there before the crowds start to build, and stay until after the site closes, as a day trip.
Another thing to consider us that if your trip is during rainy season you will be bused to Olly anyways. Check to see if the train is running "bimodal".
Crellston has outlined the Advantages of starting your trip at a lower elevation than Cusco (11,000 ft, 2k higher than the Sacred Valley). I favor spending the first 2 or 3 nights there, ending with a night or two in Cusco. Starting in Cusco will likely wipe out at least one person in your group, especially if you don't medicate.
Although some may do Ollantaytambo to save time I don't think that is the main advantage.
If you take an early train from Ollantay, you can get there before the crowds start to build, and stay until after the site closes, as a day trip.
Another thing to consider us that if your trip is during rainy season you will be bused to Olly anyways. Check to see if the train is running "bimodal".
Crellston has outlined the Advantages of starting your trip at a lower elevation than Cusco (11,000 ft, 2k higher than the Sacred Valley). I favor spending the first 2 or 3 nights there, ending with a night or two in Cusco. Starting in Cusco will likely wipe out at least one person in your group, especially if you don't medicate.
